The visual appeal of fine jewelry has never failed to capture our attention. In fact, jewelry pieces have been objects that denote social status especially during ancient times. They have significantly shaped many traditions that we know today. From necklaces and earrings, to rings and bracelets, these jewelry pieces have provided humans with material satisfaction that no other objects could provide.
There are many types of fine jewelry pieces to choose from. Some are worn as adornments, while others serve as symbolic tokens presented in different occasions. There are articles of jewelry that are plain and cheap, while there are also pieces that are so ornate, they are often expensive. Some of the most popular and commonly used pieces would be discussed here to provide further understanding about their qualities and uses. Rings are probably the most common forms of jewelry known to man. They usually come in differing varieties, the most common of which are in plain cylindrical bands adorned with gemstones like diamond heart or round cuts, spiral or serpentine coils, signet rings, and open on one side. Rings have different functions but they are commonly used as symbolic tokens during engagements and weddings or just to accentuate the fingers. As for signet rings, these hoops are customized to carry the emblems of fraternal orders or insignias of some organizations and are worn by the members of such organizations.
Another type of jewelry is the necklace, which is intended designed to be worn around the neck. Necklaces come in four general structures: close fitting collar band accentuated with precious gems or beads, chain necklace with pendant, raw of beads or stones in graduated sizes held by wire or chains, and strings of different lengths worn on top of each other. Necklaces can be created from various materials but works well with metals, gemstones or the combination of two, and they are usually partnered with pendants made from gemstones with the diamond heart being one of the most sought after pendant design. To further highlight the beauty of necklaces, they appropriately worn with dresses that have low necklines as this design helps the jewelry to become the focal point of the person's upper body.
Meanwhile, earrings are jewelry for the ears that can either be set on against the ear lobes or hanging drops like pendants. The most favorite form of earrings set against the earlobe is the pair of pearls, while popular hanging drops are the ones referred to as chandelier earrings. Traditionally, it is a requisite to have the ears pierced when wearing earrings as this practice was once considered a barbaric act. Today, earrings can be worn by means of clipping them to the ear, though the method of ear piercing is still practiced.
Another type of fine jewelry is the bracelet, which is worn on the arm. Such large piece of ring-like jewelry can be in the form of closed band, spiral coil, open on one side, closed with clasp as well as flexible rings formed as links. Aside from the ring, necklace, earrings and bracelets other form of jewelry pieces include pins, cuff links, anklets, chains, brooches, and collar buttons. Generally, there are many jewelry pieces that vary in function, quality and design; it is already up to the individual what jewelry to use in accordance to his or her desired function.
Fine jewelry pieces are created to adorn nearly every part of the body. Necklaces with diamond heart pendants are used to accentuate the neck, bracelets are worn to highlight the arms, while rings and earrings are used as personal ornaments for the fingers and ears respectively. Although artistic display has been the main function of jewelry pieces, they have also been utilized for reasons like currency, protection, status, and symbolic tokens to name a few.
-Lorraine Jacobs
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